HASTINGS, Minn. - The man accused of gunning down Mendota Heights Police Officer Scott Patrick appeared in court for the first time on Friday afternoon.

Dakota County Judge Mary Thiesen ordered Brian Fitch to be held without bail on a probation violation. That makes his $3 million bail on a murder charge moot.

Fitch, 39, faces two counts of first-degree murder in the death of Patrick, who was killed during a traffic stop on Dodd Avenue in West St. Paul on the afternoon of July 30.

Fitch told an ex-girlfriend he would kill any police officer who tried to take him into custody, according to court documents.

Public Defender Lauri Traub argued that Fitch was too incoherent for court, but prosecutors said he spoke to deputies on the way to the hearing.

Fitch's first appearance was delayed by injuries he suffered when police took him into custody the same day Patrick was fatally shot. Reports said Fitch was shot eight times during a gun battle with police on a St. Paul street.

While first-degree murder charges against Fitch in Dakota County get priority, he also faces a long list of charges in Ramsey County in connection with the gun battle, including attempted murder and assault.

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